Eurovision 2026 is set to be another contentious one, despite the European Broadcasting Union’s attempts to calm the chaos.

Last week, news broke that Ireland and the Netherlands were threatening to withdraw from next year’s song contest, held in Vienna, Austria in May, if Israel is permitted to take part. A statement from Irish broadcaster RTÉ said the decision was made “given the ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza.”

On Friday, Dutch public broadcaster Avrotros concurred, adding: “Human suffering, the suppression of press freedom and political interference are at odds with the values of public broadcasting.” Similar sentiments have come from Slovenia’s RTVSLO and Iceland’s RÚV, and calls have been made in neighboring countries — including from musician Phil Coulter in the U.

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